Omlijsting met een langwerpige cartouche met ronde zijkanten middenboven 1593

This print was made by Theodor de Bry in the late 16th century. It depicts a man standing proudly, a flag billowing behind him, next to an ornate shield. Considered within the context of the European colonial era, De Bry’s image offers a glimpse into the visual strategies used to construct and reinforce notions of power and identity. The man, dressed in elaborate attire, embodies the image of European aristocracy, asserting dominance through dress, stance, and association with heraldry. The decorative border, teeming with flora and fauna, frames the central image. This contrast between the detailed naturalism of the border and the stylized representation of the figure invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between the colonizer and the colonized. What narratives are being imposed, and what voices are being silenced? The image invites us to consider how these historical power dynamics continue to shape our understanding of identity and belonging today.